AAR continues airlift support

WOOD DALE, Ill., June 12 (UPI) -- Airlift services for the U.S. military in Afghanistan will continue to be provided by Illinois company AAR through a $104 million contract option.

"We are proud of our role as the largest independent provider of airlift for the U.S. government and its allies in Afghanistan and to serve as an integral part of our nation's transportation and logistics capability," said Randy J. Martinez, president of AAR Airlift and Group vice president, with AAR Corp.

"This renewal acknowledges the dedication and work of our pilots and support teams and the confidence that they have earned from USTRANSCOM and the Department of Defense."

AAR is using 15 fixed-wing aircraft, in addition to helicopters, to transport cargo, personnel and mail around Afghanistan for U.S. and NATO forces.

Similar services are provided to the U.S. Department of Defense in other regions of the world under existing contracts.

AAR said its independent airlift support operation in Afghanistan is the largest by contractors.

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